I haven't watched Extreme Makeover Home Edition in a very long time. On Sunday evenings, my husband and I have a guilty pleasure of watching The Amazing Race. At a couple of minutes past 8, a dear friend of mine (who has an incredible story all her own as a childhood cancer survivor) called and told me to turn on Extreme Makeover - they were featuring a polio survivor.
I needed a box of tissues to watch the show. James Terpenning had polio as an infant in Vietnam. He was rescued by the Air Force (I am not sure at what age). He and his family lived in a tiny house which was not accessible. His brother has cerebral palsy and he brought him over from Vietnam. You could sense the love, humility, gratitude and grace in this family. Kellie Pickler was the celebrity guest who helped with the makeover. This episode was so much more than a transformation of a home. The love which was such an integral part of the fabric of this family shone through every minute of the show. The love of community and the spirit of individuals with physical challenges was overwhelming. The Extreme Makeover team got into wheelchairs to play James' team in wheelchair basketball. James also competed in the para-olympics and brought home the gold for his country the USA.
As I watched James maneuver stairs with his brace and crutches and talk about his challenges, he said that you just have to take the dis off of disability -- it's all about ability. This quiet, humble man who has overcome so much spoke with incredible eloquence and grace. The expression of gratitude was overwhelming from all members of his family.
This show touched my heart and soul. Having run the Boston Marathon as a polio/post polio survivor, I heard James echo my feelings. I wanted to show my children and myself that despite the challenges I face, I have incredible ability. I want to leave a legacy for my family of a woman who faced her challenges with grace, dignity, strength, courage and gratitude. With a humble heart overflowing with love, I am so grateful to Extreme Makeover for highlighting the courageous journey of a fellow polio survivor. I am so grateful to James Terpenning for sharing his journey and for bringing so much light and love into the world.
Mary McManus, author of "New World Greetings:Inspirational Poetry and Musings for a New World" is a poet, polio/post polio survivor and Boston Marathon finisher who generously donates 20% of her book sales to Spaulding Rehab's Polio Fund to benefit other polio and post polio survivors. You can contact me through her website at www.newworldgreetings.com
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